All stars shine on Anzac Day
WITH 10 seconds left in the ADF Australian Rules men’s All Stars match on Anzac Day and with the scores tied, SMN Brayden Wilson, of HMAS Sydney, stepped up to kick a goal and take the game.
Playing against traditional rivals, the Australian Combined Emergency Services (ACES), this year was the first time the game was actually played on Anzac Day.
A curtain raiser to the AFL blockbuster between Port Adelaide and Hawthorn at the revamped Adelaide Oval, the All Stars were determined to keep the Anzac Challenge trophy after breaking a five-year domination last year by ACES.
The 100-year anniversary of the Anzac legacy added to the internal performance expectation of the ADF team.
The ADF team benefited from a week preparing for the game at the Port Adelaide AFL Club.
Football legend Russel Ebert was instrumental in providing the players with a top to bottom understanding of how his club functions and what is required of an AFL player at the highest level.
ADF playing coach LEUT Matthew Cavedon, of HMAS Arunta, said this helped the team prepare for the game.
“The ability to interact, train and use the Port Adelaide facilities is an experience I will never forget and to which the team is extremely grateful,” LEUT Cavedon said.
The talented and experienced ACES side took it up to the ADF team from the first bounce.
PTE Craig Marshall set the standard early in the midfield, and continued relentlessly to be awarded best on ground. He was assisted by CPL Robert Besanvalle, AB Brad Harricks, of Defence Communication Station, and SMN Jacob Harvey-Bickley, of NUSHIP Adelaide.
In front of approximately 30,000 people, SMN Wilson slotted the winning goal fulfilling every footballer’s childhood dream and sealed a heartstopping win for the ADF.
First gamer, SMN Casey Radford, of HMAS Stuart, said he revelled in the excitement of the 4.9. (33) to 3.9 (27) win.
“It was the best win I have ever experienced,” SMN Radford said.
Last Modified on 21/04/2016 09:16